Hello friends and happy Friday! Today I’m delighted to share that promised frozen watermelon cocktail. Enjoy!

Watermelon Berry Smoothie
(inspired by Honest Cooking)

1 oz berry-thyme syrup and 1 oz stewed berries (see below)
1 oz lemon juice (1/2 lemon)
1 C frozen watermelon cubes
1-1/2 oz gin (or vodka or, for a mocktail, lemonade – I’d use 3 oz of lemonade and omit the lemon juice)

Combine everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with a few blueberries and a sprig of thyme, if desired.

Stewed Berries with Thyme
(makes enough for several smoothies – feel free to double!)

1/2 C berries (I used the frozen mix from Costco, but any berry would work, frozen or fresh)
1/2 C water
1 T sugar
15 sprigs thyme (I have lemon thyme growing in my garden and it’s lovely, but plain thyme works too)

Combine the berries, water, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally for about five minutes, until the syrup just starts to thicken. Remove from heat, add the thyme and steep for 30 minutes. Remove the thyme and transfer the syrup and stewed berries to a jar. Chill.

I’m really pleased with the flavors in the stewed berries and think it’s versatile for plenty of experimenting. for sure, adding a spoonful to a glass of prosecco. or lemonade.

Cheers to the (hopefully LONG) weekend!